Wyoming Business Tips for March 20-March 26

March 14, 2011 — A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming
Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a
collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming.

By Margie E. Rowell, WSBDC regional director

"Do I really have to buy a new copy of QuickBooks every time
a new version comes out?" Fabian, Story

It depends and it really is not necessary to purchase a new
copy of QuickBooks every year, but you might want to.

Usually there are updated features to the program with each
new version of QuickBooks. These features usually come from suggestions made
from current users wanting improvements. Check out what is new for 2011
QuickBooks at http://quickbooks.intuit.com/pro/whats-new/.

As Intuit finds bugs in its software, they release fixes at no
charge. Just press the F2 key when the company file is open and you can see
what release is at the top of the screen. These releases keep the program
running smoothly. Continue to download them when they become available.

When Intuit releases a new version of its software, it must
be purchased each time with the updates, unlike fixes to the programs that are
free. Often, there is a discount to
upgrade through Intuit -- most times it can be found it at a lesser cost
somewhere else or on the internet.

The main reason to upgrade software to a newer version is
Intuit no longer will offer support of a version older than three years. What
this means:

-- If a small business owner has employees and has been
using a payroll subscription through Intuit, payroll updates are not available.

-- There are no longer any "fixes" for bugs that might occur
in the program currently being used.

-- There will be no more support offered for a company's
product through the Intuit e-mail server (emailing invoices, etc.).

Deciding to upgrade QuickBooks is something a business owner
might consider when talking to an accountant or CPA. Consider upgrading at least every three
years. What is your experience with
updating QuickBooks? If additional help
is needed, e-mail the WSBDC certified professional adviser at mrowell@uwyo.edu for free and confidential
support.

The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business
Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To
ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, e-mail wsbdc@uwyo.edu
or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922.